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TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - NextEra Energy Canada, ULC, today announced that its subsidiary, Summerhaven Wind, LP, has achieved commercial operation at its Summerhaven Wind Energy Centre. The Centre, located in Haldimand County, is comprised of 56 turbines and capable of generating up to 124.4-megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 32,000 homes in Ontario.

"We are proud to be a part of an initiative that not only contributes to Ontario's renewable energy supply, but powers the local economy in Haldimand County," said Ben Greenhouse, director of Development for NextEra Energy Canada. "We would like to thank all of our community partners for their support throughout the development of this project and look forward to continuing to create even greater economic opportunities for Haldimand County during the life of this clean energy project."

Development on the Summerhaven Wind Energy Centre began in 2006, and the project received a Renewable Energy Approval in March 2012. Throughout the ten-month construction phase, more than 300 local workers and 55 Ontario businesses contributed to the project through services ranging from materials, equipment, utilities, labour, housing, and subcontractors. Throughout the process, more than $26 million was invested in local businesses in Haldimand County.

"Haldimand County has experienced direct economic benefits resulting from the development of wind energy in our community," said Don Boyle, chief administrative officer. "The construction of the Summerhaven Wind Energy Centre has created local jobs and added measurably to the local economy."

Haldimand County will continue to benefit from the operation of the Summerhaven Wind Energy Centre in the years to come. A Community Vibrancy Fund has been established to support community initiatives and partnerships that may not be otherwise financially feasible through the local tax base. Similar funding agreements also have been arranged with local First Nations' communities.

About NextEra Energy Canada, ULCNextEra Energy Canada, ULC is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., (NYSE: NEE), a leading clean energy company with consolidated revenues of approximately $14.3 billion, more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, and nearly 15,000 employees in 24 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces (through its Canadian subsidiaries) as of year-end 2012. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Fla., NextEra Energy's principal subsidiaries are Florida Power & Light Company, which serves approximately 4.6 million customer accounts in Florida and is one of the largest rate-regulated electric utilities in the United States, and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which together with its affiliated entities is the largest generator in North America of renewable energy from the wind and sun. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com; www.FPL.com; www.NextEraEnergyResources.com; www.NextEraEnergyCanada.com.